So What If You Catch Me?

Chapter Eleven

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible,"

Sakura's green eyes slowly opened. She was exhausted. Not only had she given so much of her chakra during the healing process, but she did not want to leave Neji's side and sleeping on a chair in a recovery room was not ideal for recovery for her own self but at this moment in time there was nowhere else she would rather be. The light purple and pinks of the morning sun began shinning through the window. She listened to the hum of the machine that was connected to the man who loved her. The constant beep of his heart rate. Everything sounded perfect. She sat up and stretched her sore muscles and looked over the screens agreeing that Neji's vitals looked as well as they sounded.

She pushed out her chair and stood up stretching out her back the opposite direction she had stretched a moment before. She shuffled her feet to the window and started out at the pinks and purples of the early morning horizon. She blinked a few times trying to rid herself of how tired she felt. Hinata and Hiashi had come last night to check on Neji. Both happy to hear he would be making a full recovery. Hinata had offered to stay the night with him but Sakura declined. She couldn't even think of wanting to be away from him. Her chest hurt just thinking of what could have been.

"How much would it cost me for your thoughts?" Sakura smiled and turned to face Neji. He sat up in his bed looking like he hadn't almost died. How did he always manage to look so handsome? She rolled her eyes almost annoyed that the man refused to take it easy. A small smile made her way to her lips. She made her way over to the bed side and sat on the edge and grasped his hand.

"For you?" She said, looking up and bringing her hand to her chin as if in deep in thought. "Free," she whispered locking eyes with him. He released her hand to reach up and cup her cheek. She moved into the warmth and allowed herself to just be. All this time had been fighting love. All this time she had just wanted to say no a million times to everyone. With Neji it was different. He was different. She kissed the inside of his hand lightly. "I'm so thankful you're safe."

"Lay with me," he said moving over. Sakura had a half a mind to argue with him but decided against it. The medic in her wanted to scream at him. But the tired scared girl wanted to just be enveloped in his arms. She laid next to him her head on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into his side. He was sore and hurting but her warmth. Oh her warmth was as golden as the sun.

Neither of the two were sure how long they had been asleep but based on the sun position when they opened their eyes it seemed it was midday and they had slept the morning away. What had woken them was the room door opening. In the door way Tenten stood with a vase of flowers. She smiled sheepishly at the two set of eyes that stared at her.

"Uh…" She stammered awkwardly before walking into the room fully and shutting the door. She set the flowers down on table side before moving to the chair. Sakura and Neji just watched as she moved around the room unsure of exactly what was happening. Up until this point the couple was sure there would be an all out war. "It's come to my attention that maybe I've been the asshole," Tenten said with a shy smile. "This whole time you two were trying to tell me… and I was just being selfish of self-absorbed. I didn't even think to listen… I'm so sorry,"

Her chocolate eyes started into Neji's lavender eyes. Neji had been one of her closest friends. They had been through so much together and Tenten had been willing to throw it all away and not even think of listening to the friend who had always listened to her. Neji chuckled.

"I forgive you," Neji said simply. Tenten blushed. She turned and looked at Sakura.

"I didn't even know! You had tried to tell me!" Tenten said to the pinkette. "And the way he kissed you! I didn't even… ugh I'm so stupid," Sakura blushed.

"Uh…" Neji's laugh deepened at Sakura's red face. Tenten smiled and Sakura let out an awkward giggle. "Thank you," Sakura said covering her red cheeks.

XXX

Hinata let out a thankful sigh. Neji's recovery had been speedier than anyone could have hoped for. She looked over her make up in the mirror placing the final touches on her cheeks and adjusting her hair ever just slightly. She was ecstatic for the day. This clan dinner had been all she had been preparing for. She let out a calm breathe and turned away from the mirror. Walking out of her room and down the hall she stopped at her cousins door. A light knock on his door and a moment later Neji stood in front of her.

He was dressed to the nines. His hair was down and combed out. He nodded politely. "You look wonderful Hinata,"

"You as well Neji. Naruto-kun and Sakura have not arrived yet," she stated.

"From my understanding they are saying goodbye to the Uchiha," Neji said. He had spoken to the blonde earlier in the day. It had been agreed upon that it would be best for Sasuke to spend some time outside of the village. Focus on recon. Neji agreed with the decision. It seemed that would be the best option for all parties.

XXX

Team 7 stood together. Sakura was dressed in a beautiful cream kimono that she had gotten from Hinata. She looked stunning the fabric making her skin look as though it was porcelain her vibrant hair stood out and her light make up was perfect. She was stunning. Naruto was dressed in tradition male clothing solid darker colors. Making the young man look much older then he actually was. But it felt like a change for him. The first step to his future. His engagement to Hinata would be announced this evening. He would be accepting Hokage within the next year.

However, it was solemn time. Sasuke looked out of place. His traveling cloak on. His hair grown out further then it ever had been. The three stared at each other. "I know this is for the best," Sasuke said simply. It didn't feel real. All the hard work Team 7 had done to finally be together. It was as if they had never meant to be together whole for long periods.

"Congratulations you two," he said with a bow. He turned swiftly and began his walk out of the village. Sakura bit her lip lightly. It was hard. So hard to see Sasuke leave. Though she knew it was best for all parties. They never were very good at being together for long periods of time.

"HEY! SASUKE!" Naruto screamed cupping his mouth. Sasuke turned around and laughed seeing the two of them waving their hands.

"Be safe!" Sakura yelled.

"We'll miss you!" Naruto screamed. Sasuke smiled lightly and chuckled. He shook his head and turned back around. Those two were ridiculous. They were good for him. Though he wasn't always good for them, but he would do his best to be better for them in the future in a way he knew how. Being in the village was suffocating. It clouded his judgement. It destroyed him. He turned back around once more to see the yellow and pink in the far distance. Things would be better this way.

XXX

The large dinning room was decorated perfectly. Light colors matched with gold for the holiday season. Perfectly put together not a worry that any food will spill on to the table cloths. For a moment Sakura felt out of place. For a moment only. Neji's warm hand covered hers and pulled her arm though his as he escorted her further into the room. The two sat down next to Hiashi who was sat at the head of the table. Sakura smiled at Hinata and Naruto who sat across from the couple.

Dinner was enjoyable. Naruto was right. A lot had changed with this clan in the past ten years. It was almost a different people. They were warm. Happy. Peaceful. Hiashi stood gracefully and chimed his drink glass calling attention. Sakura and everyone turned their attention to the older man.

"Wonderful family and guests," he smiled warmly down at the few who were at the dinner that were not a part of the clan. Sakura smiled realizing that there had been other guests who were not part of the clan. Also something that would not have happened in previous years. "I am grateful for all of you. These past years have made us all appreciate what we truly have. I have enjoyed this evening with all of you. That being said I believe that there are a few announcements that I would like to share with you all. The first is of my eldest daughter Hinata has solidified her courtship with Uzumaki Naruto. The couple has my blessing and will join families in three months,"

Loud cheers erupted through the dining hall. Blue eyes looked down into lavender eyes. A large cheeky grin on the mans face. Three months. In three months, Naruto and Hinata would be married. Many stood up continuing the cheering. Naruto stood and pulled Hinata up with him. A large grin on the young girl's face. Sakura stood clapping her hands wildly. She had never been so excited for any couple. Naruto couldn't contain his excitement any longer. He turned and picked up the dark-haired beauty. She let out a laugh and clung to the blonde.

After a few moments of cheering and loud congratulations all through the room Hiashi cleared his throat and everyone returned to their seats. There was still one more announcement to be made. Sakura sat back down and jumped slightly when Neji's warm hand grasped hers. She looked over at him but found his eyes transfixed on his uncle. Was Neji nervous?

"There has been large scarifies in this family. From branch members. From main house. With this last war I have been reminded that the new generation will be changing things in ways that we had not been mindful enough to create. I will be taking my leave of head of our clan," the room was silent. Sakura was almost positive in that moment that no one was breathing. She herself knew she was holding her breath. She glanced over and Hinata who was staring at Neji. "I leave our clans future in the best hands that I can. My nephew Neji will lead us into a new era,"

The cheering was so loud Neji couldn't hear his heartbeat. He couldn't feel the air in his lungs. He had known this was coming. The conversation had happened. But now that It was here, he felt so unsure. A soft hand squeezed his. He looked down to see one of the strongest, yet gentlest hand reassured him. He could do this. He was destined to. He had learned so much about humility. About caring. About love. He looked at Hinata who was the first to stand, clapping the loudest. Sakura and Naruto quickly following suit. Neji stood, he adjusted his clothes to straighten out. He shook his Uncle's hand and the two bowed to each other.

"Family… I will not let you down. I must thank my Uncle for seeing my abilities and assisting me. My cousins Hinata and Hinabi for support and persevere. All of you for helping me grow. As we move into the future we will be a clan that will be unmatched in the support of our village," Neji bowed and brought his drink up for a cheers and everyone cheered.

Sakura's head was spinning as was the room. As quickly as dinner and ended the dance floor was set up and Sakura was being spun all around the room. She had danced with so many of the Hyuga clansmen and woman. Enjoying her time with them. Neji and stepped away with Hiashi and a few elders to go over a few things and Sakura was left to her own devices.

Sakura bowed to the younger Hyuga as the song came to an end. She found Naruto's blonde hair in the crowed and quickly went to join the glowing couple. "Congratulations!" She said happily hugging Hinata and the Naruto. "I can't believe it's finally happening!" Hinata giggled.

"I am so elated," Hinata smiled. "Today has been the most perfect day in my life so far,"

Sakura smiled and grabbed Hinata's hand and pulled her into the dance floor to enjoy the next song. The two girls danced and laughed. Life was finally being what it was always meant to be. Life. The ups. The downs. The sad moments and then the happy. They were all needed to truly enjoy everything they had been through. A warm hand wrapped around Sakura's wrist and pulled her away from Hinata and into the strong and steady chest of Neji. Her other hand came up and rested on his chest. His heart beating strongly through his chest.

"How's your day going?" she inquired. Neji leaned down. His nose buried in her hair. The beautiful scent of strawberries consumed him.

"I'm still expecting to wake up from this dream," he whispered and pulled her close. "Sakura… I love you," being with her was like breathing. It was all consuming. It made him forget all pain. It made him wish everyone could experience this feeling. He moved in and kissed her lips lightly before pulling back. She smiled her eyes slowly closing and leaning in for another kiss. Soft and firm and everything she ever needed or could want.

"I love you," she breathed against his lips.

A/N

I am so so so sorry for the delay in updating! I do have a good excuse! I was trying to finish this before the end of July because I have a little baby! He was born at the end of July. It has been insanely busy figuring out life with a baby. But here we are! Almost 7 months late I have managed to find time to write! I'll do my best to finish this up! I was trying to finish with this chapter but then I felt like it was a little too rushed so I think it will be closer to at least two more chapters! :D Thank you all for sticking with me!